Unexpected Federico Chiesa call can only be good news for Liverpool

It’s been a frustrating season on a personal level once again for Federico Chiesa.

The 28-year-old has been on the outside looking in for the most part - with Arne Slot all but refusing to consider him as a legitimate starting option.

The Italy international has made a grand total of ONE start across the entire Premier League and Champions League campaign - having initially been left out of the European squad.

The winger has managed a paltry return of three goals in 29 outings - and his prospects don’t look like improving between now and the end of the season.

Chiesa unexpectedly called up by Gattuso

Slot has opted for Jeremie Frimpong as an alternative to Mohamed Salah on the right - and when Chiesa has got his minutes it’s usually been as a relief centre-forward.

Chiesa’s spell at Liverpool has taken its toll on the forward’s international career too - with no appearances for the Azzurri since Euro 2024.

It was deemed practically inevitable that he would miss out on Gennaro Gattuso’s squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup playoff semifinal against Northern Ireland - but Chiesa has now received an unexpected lifeline.

Tuttosport is reporting that Chiesa is among the players to have received a preliminary call-up from Gattuso - suggesting that he will be in the party for the game later this month.

Italy call can help restore Chiesa's confidence

“Since his case is unique, a follow-up will be made about ten days before the meeting,” the report reads. “The feeling, however, is that this time Chiesa might (finally) step up.”

Of course Chiesa’s involvement in such a high-stakes game can only be good news for Liverpool.

He’s only gone to 90 minutes twice in the entire campaign - with both outings coming in the ill-fated EFL Cup run. If he can gain some rhythm across the playoff picture then it may help sharpen his instincts for the final stretch of the club season.

Liverpool need all the help they can get as they fight on three fronts - with a place in the top five places of the Premier League to be contested and trophies on offer in the FA Cup and Champions League too.

Chiesa can be made to feel important - like the main man - for the national team and subsequently bring that form back with him to Anfield.

Questions over his long-term future remain - but in the short term this impending call-up may serve Chiesa and Arne Slot well.

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